Small Town, Big Trouble: The Data Center Dilemma
In a small farming community near Ann Arbor, Michigan, a heated debate has been sparked by a recent decision made by the Saline Township Board of Trustees. The board chose to settle a lawsuit, allowing a massive data center project to proceed. This project, involving OpenAI and Oracle, has caused quite a stir among the locals.
The Township's Dilemma
The township's decision to settle the lawsuit was not an easy one. On one hand, some residents are upset that the board didn't fight harder against the data center developer, Related Digital, and the property owners involved in the suit. The board had initially voted to deny rezoning the land for the data center, citing inconsistency with the master plan.
However, the township's attorney, Fred Lucas, pointed out that fighting the lawsuit could have had serious financial consequences. The township's insurance coverage for legal fees is only $500,000, and the potential damages could have been as high as $25 million. This is a significant amount for a small rural township with a projected budget deficit.
Community Backlash
Residents have been vocal at township board meetings, expressing their anger and frustration. Some have even called for the board members to resign. Despite the backlash, the township officials maintain that they had to consider the financial risks and the possibility of losing local control over the land.
The Lawsuit and Settlement
The lawsuit was filed by Related Digital and the property owners, who argued that the township's denial of rezoning was unreasonable and violated state law. They claimed that the data center proposal was appropriate and necessary. The township's clerk, Kelly Marion, admitted that they couldn't prove they weren't being exclusionary in their zoning decisions.
In the end, the township reached a settlement with Related Digital, which included:
- A $14 million contribution to the township and local fire departments.
- Codified restrictions on the development, including water usage, setbacks, site plans, and decommissioning.
